Changing Attitudes Towards Elevated Structures

Abstract: This paper examines the reaction of professionals and politicians to specific examples of proposals for new public transport systems that entail elevated structures in central areas. When the resurgence of interest in new public transport began in the 1960's, new systems were presented as futuristic, with light airy structures that could readily be fitted into established cities. However, several factors led to a reaction against elevated structures including: difficulties in finding space for elevated stations, particularly in areas where re-development was not expected; difficulties in locating stations at the points of greatest convenience for potential users; difficulties in providing easy access to platforms. This became particularly significant after the lobbying by groups of disabled people grew in importance.